Abdomen Ultrasound

Question 1

What is the landmark that differentiates a direct from an indirect inguinal hernia?

Answer 1

The inferior epigastric artery is the landmark that differentiates an indirect from direct inguinal hernia.

The indirect inguinal hernia is lateral to the inferior epigastric artery and the direct inguinal hernia is medial.

Question 2

Name three abdominal masses associated with the elevation of alpha-fetoprotein.

Answer 2

The following abdominal masses are associated with an increase in alpha-fetoprotein.
1. Hepatocellular carcinoma
2. Metastatic liver disease
3. Hepatoblastoma

Question 3

Describe the sonographic presentation of chronic lymphocytic
(Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis.

Answer 3

The typical sonographic appearance of chronic lymphocytic (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis is a diffusely enlarged thyroid, with a homogeneous but coarse parenchymal echo texture. The thyroid is generally more hypoechoic than the normal thyroid.

Question 4

What is believed to occur as a result of a localized hepatocyte response to an underlying congenital arteriovenous malformation resulting in a hyperplastic process in which all the normal constituents of the liver are present but in an abnormally organized pattern.

Liver function tests are usually normal.

Answer 4

Focal nodular hyperplasia which is considered to be the second most common tumor of the liver.

Question 5

What two vessels form the main portal vein?

Answer 5

The splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein join at the confluence adjacent to the head of the pancreas to form the main portal vein.